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- - - - - - - - - THE CASKET.\

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THE CASKET. The handsome casket, constructed in Swansea entirely by the artist- designer, Mr. Harry C. Hall, A.R.C.A., is unique in that it is wholly of metals produced locally- silver, copper, brass, lead, tin, and steel—although of course- all these are not visible. In other words, the value of the gift is in the artistic production, and not in the material used. About fourteen inches in length, the body of the casket is of copper from the works of Messrs. Vivian and Sons. Its rich bronze colour has been obtained by oxidisation. It is decorated with bands of twisted silver wires, and enclosed be- tween these bands are openwork Celtic panels built up' in silver, theise in turn sur,rounding emblems in Champleve enamels and representing the four coun- tries. There is the-leek for Wales, the rose for England,, the thistle for Scotland, und the shamrock for Ireland. Other enamels represent the Welsh dragon, which occupies a prominent posi- tion in the centre of the back; Night (a Star);, and Day (the setting Sun). Other panels on the lid are Celtic, interlace ments. The whole is surmounted by sym- bolical dragons carved in copper, with silver wings. The clasp is built up in a rich interlaced design in silver. The in- scription. To the Right Hon. Sir Alfred Mond, Bart., M.P. An address in com- memoration of the Victory of December. IPIS," encircles the lid, is in repousse silver, and is an integral part of the design. The combination of the silver, and copper, together with the rich colours of tho enamels, gives a very striking arti?tic the ciiaiii, effect. THE ADDRESS. I In the next column is the text of the address. The script itself and the elaborate and beautiful designs surrounding it do not (in conse- quence of the delicacy and variety of their colouring) lend themselves to a re- production which would give a fair idea of the skill and artistry which the de- signer and illuminator, Mr. Percy Gleaves, A.R.C.A., has put into the work. So the wording must suffice, with the description of the work, which follows:— To the Right Honourable I Sir ALFRED MOND, Baronet, M.P., J His Majesty's First I Commissioner of (Works. Sir, On behalf of the Liberals and your other friends and supporters in Swansea, We ask' you to accept this address as an expression of our deep respect and great admiration of your sterling character, your high statesmanship, your noble sense of duty, your unfailing devotion to the interests of the country and your constant regard for the welfare of this town. Wo desire especially to record our sincere appreciation of the scrupulously clean manner in which you contested the Parlia- mentary -Election of December, 1918, and of the high tone, of the absence of rancour and abuse, and of the constructive and states- man-like nature of your speeches. We acclaim your adherence to the principles of Liberty and Free Trade. We acknowledge thankfully tue efficient and effective way in which you discharge the duties of tho important and responsible office you hold in His Majesty's Government. I We are proud to testify to the zeal and unselfishness you have shown in your great service to the country during the unexampled stress and strain of the Great War, and to your loyalty and devotion to the best and most vital interests of the nation. (Signed) Thomas Jones, Meta Williams, R. Martin, Rebecca Harris, William Rosser, R. Griffiths. November 21st, 1919. [ A DESCRIPTION. I The design is a modern treatment of I the. Celtic style, with symbolic figure panels and medallions united with Celtic knots, displayed in the form of head panel, side borders, and base. It is car- ried out on a vellum scroll, with an ivory roller attached, and is mounted on velvet lined with silk, with silver cords. The text is in a simple formal writing, the name of the recipient and initial letters in raised and burnished gold capitals. Symbolism.—The panel across the top of the scroll is filled with a group of figures emblematic of the congratulatory motif of the address. A central figure represents Swansea enthroned, with one hand rest- ing on the navigable globe; the other raised in the attitude of listening to the youfhful figure on her left, who holds the Palm of Victory and blows the Trumwet of Fame. On the right of the panel a winged youth (Eros), draped in blue—the colour of constancy—upholds a shield on which is displayed the arms of Sir Alfred This is to show the constant regard with which the recipient will ever he held by his Swansea supporters, On the left of panel two female figures are singing the praises of the recipient's many generous gifts and charitable actions. In the bac k- ground a little winged love is busily en- gaged in completing a decorative garland of roses, a rebus or playful fancy baEcd on the heraldic roses displayed on the coat-of-arms. The whole is represented as taking place in a covered court by the sea, resting on a tesselated pavement. The side borders each contain three rec- tangular medallions and two circular medallions, containing allegorical figures and shields of arms respectively, illustra- tive of the text. The left upper medallion represents a-Celtic girl holding aloft the Lamp of Truth, which illuminates the sur- rounding gloom; that on the right, a priestess by the altar feeding the sacred fire. The medallion shields below these display respectively the Union Jack and the Arms of Swansea. The centre medallion, fig-ares represent Knowledge treading on the adder of ignorance, and aspiration holding the motto Libertas." She stands in an open doorway against the dawn, symbolising the ever-open door of Liberalism with its aspiration for the full and free life of the future. The medallion shields below these display re- spectively the Arms of Sir Alfred, and also the Royal, in allusion to his office under his Majesty. The lower medallion figures represent Britannia armed, guard- ing her native shore, and the standard bearer holding the banner of Wales. Celtic knots twine, about and bind to- gether the whole of these medallions, springing free at the. base corners, form- ing elaborate interlacing knots which hold a suspended medallion on which is repre- sentell the Red Dragon holding' a fioTal emblem, the daffodil. Thus is indicated a tribute of affection from Wales, which will act as a knot, or tie of. affectionate esteem between Sir Alfred and his-con- stituents.

THE PRESENTATION.

I FATAL BURNS.,

IWELSH OPERA.

IMORRISTON DEACON. I 4j ___-8

SURPRISE FOR GUARDIANS*

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

REV. CHEYNE CHADDOCK.

- - - - - - --__- - , AT THE…

COMMEMORATING THE VICTORY.

COMMEMORATING THE VICTORY.